The Cubs enter the game ranking 4th in runs per game (5.09) and 8th in team earned run average (3.74). The Cubs are (6-4) in their last ten games and (27-23) on the road this season. Javier Baez (.293, 19 HR, 74 RBI, 19 SB) has blossomed into one of the best all around players in the majors. Kris Bryant (.276, 11 HR, 44 RBI) is having a down season by his lofty standards while Anthony Rizzo (.260, 12 HR, 65 RBI) has been and RBI machine. The Cubs have a strong starting staff but their bullpen ranks 4th in ERA (3.31). The Cubs will be up against Cardinals righty John Gant (3-3, 3.17) who has held them to a combined .222 average in 27 total at-bats. Gant is (3-2, 3.41) at home this season and was (1-1, 2.66) in July.

The Cardinals rank 13th in runs per game (4.48) and 12th in team ERA (3.90). St. Louis is (4-6) in their last ten games and (24-24) at home this season. Matt Carpenter (.275, 25 HR, 53 RBI) started the season slowly but he has been on an absolute tear lately. Marcell Ozuna’s peripheral numbers look good (.262, 10 HR, 51 RBI) but the power just hasn’t been there in the last two months. Jose Martinez (.296, 13 HR, 57 RBI) emerged from nowhere in his age 30 season to be an impact performer. The Cardinals have really struggled defensively leading the league in errors (84). The Cardinals will be up against Kyle Hendricks (6-9, 4.05) who they are hitting a combined .279 against in 154 at-bats. Hendricks is (3-3, 4.70) on the road this season and was (1-1, 3.54) in July.

Bottom Line:

The Cardinals are (7-6) against the Cubs this season but the run differential is even (72). The Cubs are playing better baseball since the All-Star break and theoretically have the advantage in this pitching match-up. I expect a close game as these teams typically play, but I anticipate the Cubs strong bullpen will lead them to victory in this one.

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